Divinefire is a European band that was founded back in 2004 by Christian Rivel & Jani Stefanovic. The band delivers up a lethal dose of hard hitting Symphonic Power Metal. Co-founder-Christian Rivel is renown for his work as frontman for the bands 'Narnia' and 'Golden Resurrection'. Not only does Rivel sing but he also holds the position as owner of his own record label-Rivel Records. Co-founder/Drummer/Guitarist/Keyboardist- Jani Stefanovic cut his teeth in bands like 'Am I Blood' , 'Sins of Omission' , and 'Renascent'.
Shortly after forming the band, Rivel & Jani quickly added Bassist-Andreas Olsson who also happens to be a veteran in the Metal industry having played for bands like 'Rob Rock', 'Stormwind', and 'Narnia'. After adding percussionist-Andreas Olsson, Divinefire decided to keep the band small and continued with only three members.
Shortly after forming the band, Rivel & Jani quickly added Bassist-Andreas Olsson who also happens to be a veteran in the Metal industry having played for bands like 'Rob Rock', 'Stormwind', and 'Narnia'. After adding percussionist-Andreas Olsson, Divinefire decided to keep the band small and continued with only three members.
Divinefire has five albums to their credit with the band's debut full-length release hitting the market in 2005 titled 'Glory Thy Name'. The band's sophomore follow-up album was recorded & released later that same year titled 'Hero'(2005). Just one year later, in 20o6 Divinefire showed no signs of slowing down with the release of their third full-length studio album titled 'Into A New Dimension'. In 2008, just 4 years after the band's conception, Divinefire followed suit with their fourth full-length release titled 'Farewell'. After the release of 'Farewell' it would be another 3 years before fans would see another release from the band. Then in 2011 Divinefire released their 5th full-length studio album titled 'Eye Of The Storm'.
What makes Divinefire stand out from other bands is their symphonic touches mixed with the lightening fast guitar work of axeman-Jani Stefanovic in combination with his bombastic drumming style. These elements all work together to create an epic feel to Divinefire's arrangements.
Vocalist-Christian Rivel does a great job for the band with a slightly heavier vocal delivery than on previous Narnia albums which is appropriate due to the heavier sound of Devinefire. Some of Christians best vocal work is showcased here in the Divinefire projects. The background growls and Death Vocals of Jani Stefanovic help to round out Christian's vocals adding to the overall heaviness of Divinefire. However, I appreciate that the Death Vocals and Growls aren't overly done and add just the right touch of atmosphere to each song.
Jani Stefanovic handles the guitar well moving in and out from heavy guitar play to fast Power Metal riffs to Speed Metal to occasional bluesy guitar work and everything in between. It should be noted that Jani's guitar work doesn't come across as your standard European Power Metal. What we have here is more of a combination of two different Power Metal worlds with a European meets Western-Heavy Power Metal sound.
Jani Stefanovic also does a great job on drums as he goes from a Progressive style to bombastic to Speed Drumming along with the Hammer/Pounding style similar to what we often find in Thrash/Speed Metal. Lets not leave out the double bass that often kicks in driving the Metal to warp speed. Yes, the drums make there presence known in Divinefire's arrangements!
Andreas Olsson does a great job laying down the bass lines and helps to round out the bands sound.
On the album 'Eye Of The Storm' we are introduced to a new vocalist by the name of German Pascual who now has his own work out as well. Christian Rivel and German Pascual each handle lead vocal work on three different tracks each along with sharing vocal work on the other songs.
What makes Divinefire stand out from other bands is their symphonic touches mixed with the lightening fast guitar work of axeman-Jani Stefanovic in combination with his bombastic drumming style. These elements all work together to create an epic feel to Divinefire's arrangements.
Vocalist-Christian Rivel does a great job for the band with a slightly heavier vocal delivery than on previous Narnia albums which is appropriate due to the heavier sound of Devinefire. Some of Christians best vocal work is showcased here in the Divinefire projects. The background growls and Death Vocals of Jani Stefanovic help to round out Christian's vocals adding to the overall heaviness of Divinefire. However, I appreciate that the Death Vocals and Growls aren't overly done and add just the right touch of atmosphere to each song.
Jani Stefanovic handles the guitar well moving in and out from heavy guitar play to fast Power Metal riffs to Speed Metal to occasional bluesy guitar work and everything in between. It should be noted that Jani's guitar work doesn't come across as your standard European Power Metal. What we have here is more of a combination of two different Power Metal worlds with a European meets Western-Heavy Power Metal sound.
Jani Stefanovic also does a great job on drums as he goes from a Progressive style to bombastic to Speed Drumming along with the Hammer/Pounding style similar to what we often find in Thrash/Speed Metal. Lets not leave out the double bass that often kicks in driving the Metal to warp speed. Yes, the drums make there presence known in Divinefire's arrangements!
Andreas Olsson does a great job laying down the bass lines and helps to round out the bands sound.
On the album 'Eye Of The Storm' we are introduced to a new vocalist by the name of German Pascual who now has his own work out as well. Christian Rivel and German Pascual each handle lead vocal work on three different tracks each along with sharing vocal work on the other songs.
Lyrics are overtly Christ centered as one can see in the following lyric excerpts:
"Time For Salvation"
There is still time
We have to change our lives
Still time for salvation
Only Jesus can wash our sins away
Still there is time
The stage is yours, the spotlights on
Time to deliver the breaking news
I know it’s hard to hear the truth
When Jesus comes it’s far too late
"Bright Morning Star"
For God so loved the world
That He gave His only begotten Son
That whoever believes in Him
Shall not perish but have eternal life
"The World's On Fire"
I see the warning signs tonight
The time is running out and the Son is coming
Salvation for this broken world
The prize is paid for you
Receive the healing touch
"Never Surrender"
I am the way
I am the truth
I am the life
I'm the key to eternity
"Live My Life For You"
I'll live my life for the Holy One
The Cross has set me free
Live my life for the Holy One
There is still time
We have to change our lives
Still time for salvation
Only Jesus can wash our sins away
Still there is time
The stage is yours, the spotlights on
Time to deliver the breaking news
I know it’s hard to hear the truth
When Jesus comes it’s far too late
"Bright Morning Star"
For God so loved the world
That He gave His only begotten Son
That whoever believes in Him
Shall not perish but have eternal life
"The World's On Fire"
I see the warning signs tonight
The time is running out and the Son is coming
Salvation for this broken world
The prize is paid for you
Receive the healing touch
"Never Surrender"
I am the way
I am the truth
I am the life
I'm the key to eternity
"Live My Life For You"
I'll live my life for the Holy One
The Cross has set me free
Live my life for the Holy One
Divinefire comes highly recommended to the Metal head looking for some cool Melodic Metal to add to their collection. If you are into bands like Theocracy, Majestic Vanguard, and 7 Days you are going to love what Divinefire has offered up over the years.
Musicians:
Christian Rivel - Vocals
Jani Stefanovic - Guitars, Drums, Keyboards, Growls
Andreas Olsson - Bass
Christian Rivel - Vocals
Jani Stefanovic - Guitars, Drums, Keyboards, Growls
Andreas Olsson - Bass